Ploytec produces fanciful firmware update for its super-small synthesizers

SCHOPFHEIM, GERMANY: hardware and software developer Ploytec is proud to introduce its latest (V2.1) firmware update for its πλ2 MIDI- and πλ2 Leukos USB-powered, super-small footprint, software editing-enabled duophonic synthesizers at Musikmesse 2015, January 15-18 in Frankfurt, Germany…

The synth world was, quite frankly, taken aback by something so small sounding so huge when Ploytec’s ‘playful’ πλ2 made its impressive musical debut last year. This MIDI-powered, super-small synthesizer — with a super-small footprint fit for fitting into the smallest spaces — was soon joined by its USB-powered, super-small sibling, πλ2 Leukos, seriously satisfying those with a hardware craving to make music while on the move, wherever their inspiration might (literally) take them — with or without eminently portable laptops or an Apple iPad — with Camera Connection Kit — in tow (though these are always helpful to have at hand to power πλ2 Leukos, of course). Without wishing to sound silly, surely it’s impossible not to be impressed? It’s a knockout concept, after all!

As implied by their shared PI L Squared alternative appellation, πλ2 and πλ2 Leukos generally stick to the principals of subtractive synthesis, whereby the working waveform— bred by two square wave (pulse) oscillators — then travels through an adjustable — lowpass, high-pass, and bandpass — digital filter stage to transform the frequency spectrum and/or raise resonance, if desired. Digital filtering duly dispensed, an additional analogue lowpass filter follows forthwith. Destructive, digital-like tones balanced by all-the-rage analogue warmth are available at the press of a key. Could there be more? More than likely. Moreover, in fact, an analogue saturation stage at the output offers dynamic compression, adding a respectable bass punch to the proceedings — perfect for those that need to make some Boom! shake-shake-shake the room-style noise!